Helpful Tips on How To Share the Road With Motorcycles

Did you know that motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities in 202-12 in the United States? It’s a surprisingly big number considering that motorcycles only make up around 3.5% of all registered vehicles in the country. We know you don’t want to add to that statistic, so we’ve put together a helpful list of tips on how to safely share the road with motorcycles.

Always Check Your Blind Spots

Because of their size, motorcycles on the road are often hard to see. They easily blend into the surrounding environment, and sometimes, you might not even notice them until it’s too late. When merging or changing lanes, always check your blind spots for any motorcycles to make sure you’re driving safely.

Keep Distractions to a Minimum

When it comes to driving, distractions are a big no-no. Loud music, mobile notifications, and rowdy passengers can make it hard to concentrate on your surroundings. You’re less likely to hear a motorcycle approach, so you might want to turn down your music and turn on your phone’s Do Not Disturb mode. Ask your passengers to quiet down, so you can focus on the road.

Be Mindful of the Weather

Sharing the road with motorcycles on a regular day is hard enough, but adding bad weather to the equation makes it a real challenge. Unlike most automobile drivers, motorcycle riders don’t have a roof to shield them from the rain. They’ll have limited visibility, and the harsh weather can also make it hard for them to control their vehicle.

Be extra careful when you’re driving in stormy weather, and keep your eyes peeled for any motorcycles that might be near you.

Drive Carefully at Night

When driving at night, people often think using their high beams is the safest choice. After all, why shouldn’t you use such a strong light to help you see better? While high-beam lights can help you see much farther, they actually reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic. For motorcyclists on the road, it’ll be like staring into a flashlight in a dark room.

When driving behind a motorcycle, turn off your high beams and increase your following distance.

Always Use Your Turn Signal

Before turning or changing lanes, it’s best to use your turn signal earlier than usual if you’re driving in front of a motorcycle. This should give the rider enough time to react, which can reduce the risk of a pile-up.

Stay in Your Lane

Motorcycles might take up less space on the road, but they’re legally entitled to their own lane of traffic. This means you aren’t allowed to slip beside them in the same lane, even if all that extra room might seem tempting during a slow commute to work.

Follow Traffic Signals at Intersections

What are the safety protocols every driver should observe when approaching an intersection? Come to a complete stop, and follow any road signs and traffic signals. Before you continue driving, you should always look both ways for any approaching vehicles. Plenty of traffic accidents happen at intersections, but following these rules can help keep you and motorcyclists safe.

Watch Out for Lane-Splitting Motorcycles

In heavy traffic, some motorcyclists might drive between two lanes just so they can speed off. Lane splitting can certainly help them get to their destination faster, but it can also be very dangerous. The next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, be on the lookout for any lane-splitting motorcycles.

Check Their Turn Signals

Until the late 1970s, self-canceling turn signals weren’t a standard feature on motorcycles, most of which are still on the road today. When driving behind a motorcycle with a turn signal that’s been on for a long time, increase your following distance. Give yourself enough space to react when they finally turn.

Don’t Drive Aggressively

If you’re driving a large vehicle, you should be extra careful around motorcycles because you never know when they’ll make sudden turns or lane changes. Rear-ending a motorcycle can be fatal to the rider, so don’t drive aggressively and keep a safe distance from them.

Learn Hand Signals

Motorcyclists tend to use hand signals to communicate their next move. As you share the road with them every day, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to learn their basic hand signals. Learning them can come in handy the next time you find yourself driving next to a motorcyclist trying to change lanes or pass by you.